CNA Classes & Programs in Abilene, Texas
Get Information from CNA Programs in Abilene and Nearby
Abilene is home to 8 CNA programs that serve individuals interested in pursuing a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant in west-central Texas. With its blend of urban amenities and regional character, Abilene offers aspiring CNAs multiple pathways into patient care roles through approved local training providers.
The city’s CNA classes help students meet requirements for Texas certification while building essential practical skills valued by healthcare employers throughout Abilene. Program options include accelerated 4-week courses designed for those seeking a quicker path to employment as well as flexible schedules that accommodate different learning needs. Graduates benefit from access to hospitals, nursing homes, and home health agencies across Abilene’s medical community.
In Abilene, CNAs earn around $32,880 annually according to local data—slightly below the statewide average—which may reflect cost-of-living factors unique to this region. Completing CNA courses here can open doors to stable healthcare jobs across various facility types.
Quick Facts About Abilene
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Population126,356Residents
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CNA Programs8State-approved Programs
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Median Income$59,254Median Annual Income
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CNA Hourly Rate$16.00Median Hourly Rate
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CNA Yearly Salary$32,880Median Annual Salary
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Facilities21CMS Healthcare Facilities11 Nursing Homes • 2 Hospitals • 8 Home Health Agencies
Get Information from CNA Programs in Abilene and Nearby
Schools in Abilene and nearby are actively seeking qualified students. Fill out one quick form below to receive information directly from multiple accredited CNA programs.
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- Upcoming start dates & schedules
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Browse CNA Classes in Abilene
Students in Abilene can choose from 8 CNA programs—including accelerated 4-week classes—that prepare them for Texas CNA certification and placement on the state registry. Each CNA training program equips graduates with hands-on skills needed for success in local healthcare careers where CNAs are valued members of patient care teams throughout Abilene.
Types of Classes Available
Free programs: not available in Abilene, but free classes are available in other cities throughout Texas.
Accelerated programs: available in Abilene and are usually 4-week programs, sometimes 3 or 5 weeks.
Online programs: Some classes in Abilene offer online coursework combined with local clinical training.
Cisco College
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Wylie High School Nurse Aide Program
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Hendrick Medical Center
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Wisteria Place Nursing & Rehabilitation
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Abilene ISD
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Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing
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PACE Partners for Advancing Career Education
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Bright Stars of the Future
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CNA Employment Opportunities in Abilene
CNA Salary Information
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Annual Salary$32,880Median Yearly Pay
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Hourly Rate$16.00Median Per Hour
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Available Jobs850CNA Positions
Abilene supports a steady workforce of approximately 850 certified nursing assistants according to regional data. Local hospitals, long-term care centers, and home health agencies consistently seek qualified CNAs who have completed approved training programs. This ongoing demand creates stable job prospects for those entering or advancing within patient care fields throughout the city. CNA jobs in Abilene are available in a range of healthcare settings.
The CNA salary in Abilene reflects regional economic conditions. In Abilene, CNAs earn around $32,880 per year or $15.81 per hour based on BLS OEWS (May 2023) data—a figure somewhat below Texas’s median annual wage of $35,110 for this occupation. These wage levels may be influenced by local cost-of-living factors but still offer reliable income potential within entry-level healthcare roles across west-central Texas.
CNA job opportunities are available at many CMS-certified facilities across Abilene. Major employers include Hendrick Skilled Nursing Facility (20 beds), Mesa Springs Healthcare Center (89 beds), and Wisteria Place (123 beds), each providing residential care services requiring hands-on support from trained assistants. Hospital systems such as Hendrick Medical Center—a key acute care provider—and Oceans Behavioral Hospital of Abilene also employ CNAs directly or indirectly through affiliated services. Kinder Hearts Home Health stands out among local home health agencies with its high-quality ratings and patient-focused service model.
Sources
- Salary Data: BLS OEWS (May 2023)
- Healthcare Facilities: CMS (July 2025)
Ready to get certified and start your CNA career in Abilene? Fill out one quick form to get program details and start dates from accredited schools in your area.
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Working in Nearby Cities
Looking beyond Abilene? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Clyde, Sweetwater, Breckenridge, Coleman, and Cisco, or browse the Texas CNA programs page for more options.
Working in Other States
Planning to move or gain experience working in other states? Use our reciprocity guide to transfer your existing CNA license across states.
Working Through Agencies or as a Travel CNA
If you're already certified and would like to work through an agency or work as a travel CNA, browse here our directory of CNA agencies or simply fill out this short form to get matched with 3 personalized CNA agencies that can help you land your next job.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Abilene (11 facilities)
11 nursing homes in Abilene providing CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS nursing homes (July 2025)
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Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Abilene (2 facilities)
2 hospitals in Abilene offering CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
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Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in Abilene (8 facilities)
8 home health agencies in Abilene providing CNA career opportunities. Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)
Kinder Hearts Home Health
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Centerwell Home Health
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Requirements to Work as a CNA in Abilene, TX
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Abilene, you must meet the statewide CNA requirements set by Texas. These include completing an HHSC-approved Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP), passing the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam, and being listed on the Texas Nurse Aide Registry.
- At least 100 total hours of training (60 classroom and 40 clinical hours in a licensed nursing facility)
- Completion of 16 hours of required instruction before any direct resident contact
- Passing both parts of the NNAAP exam within 24 months of completing training (up to three attempts per section)
- Background check per Texas Health & Safety Code §250.006
- Placement on the Texas Nurse Aide Registry (maintained by HHSC)
Once certified, you can work in nursing homes, hospitals, home health agencies, and long-term care facilities throughout Abilene and the surrounding area.
Already certified in another state? You may qualify for reciprocity through TULIP (Texas Unified Licensure Information Portal) to transfer your certification without retraining. Learn more in our CNA License Reciprocity in Texas guide.
For full details on testing, certification, renewal requirements, and maintaining active status, see our step-by-step CNA License & Registration in Texas guide.
Career Growth & Advancement
Many CNAs use their experience as a stepping stone toward advanced healthcare careers:
- Specialized certifications (e.g., dementia care, medication aide)
- Promotion into shift supervisor or training coordinator roles
- Bridge programs to become an LPN or RN
- Opportunities in healthcare administration or education
Frequently Asked Questions about CNA Classes in Abilene
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Abilene?
Most CNA programs in Abilene can be completed in 4–12 weeks, depending on whether you choose a traditional, accelerated, or weekend schedule.
How much does CNA training cost in Abilene?
Tuition typically ranges from $800–$1,500, though may be higher depending on the program. Some schools and healthcare employers may cover the cost or reimburse you after hiring.
Are there free CNA classes in Abilene?
Some hospitals, nursing homes, and workforce programs may offer free CNA training in exchange for a work commitment.
Are there online CNA training options available in Abilene?
Several schools offer hybrid options with online coursework and in-person clinical training at local healthcare facilities.
Are there any 4-weeks CNA classes in Abilene?
Yes, some schools in Abilene or nearby areas may offer accelerated CNA programs that can be completed in as little as 4 weeks, depending on class schedules and clinical requirements.
Which nearby cities are there for CNA classes and job opportunities?
Near Abilene there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Clyde, Sweetwater, Breckenridge, Coleman, and Cisco. You can also look at the Texas state page to find more.
How do I get listed on the Texas CNA registry?
To work as a CNA in Texas, you must be added to the official state registry. See our Texas CNA registry guide for step-by-step instructions.
Where do CNAs work in Abilene?
CNAs in Abilene are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare facilities. Many also use their CNA experience as a stepping stone to LPN or RN careers.
Information Accuracy: Requirements, salary data, and other information are carefully compiled and based on the latest available sources, but may change. Please verify with official sources before making decisions. If you spot a mistake, let us know.